Council authorizes $1.34 million site-work contract for new senior center; attendees warned bids exceeded estimates

The Copperas Cove City Council on March 4 authorized the city manager to execute a $1,339,360 construction agreement with HCS Inc., a commercial general contractor, to complete grading, foundation work and site utilities for a new senior center at 2402 Walker Place Boulevard.

City staff and the project's architect presented the award after receiving three bids for the work. James Neely, park superintendent, told council the other two bids received either excluded the required foundation (Adams Excavation) or excluded the parking-lot work (Seneca Construction), leaving HCS as the only bid that covered the full scope.

The city previously purchased the site and contracted separately to buy and erect a pre-engineered metal building; in December 2024 council authorized a $313,251 contract with Coorsban Structures for the building purchase and erection. The site-work contract approved Tuesday covers grading, the slab and sleeves, runway for electrical conduits to the parking lot, underground utility relocation, pavement and concrete, detention work and retaining walls; interior plumbing and finish work will be bid separately, staff said.

Neely told council the apparent increase in cost is difficult to quantify precisely at the meeting but estimated the bid was roughly $200,000 higher than earlier projections. Staff said bidders are affected by required bid bonds and other procurement costs that raise contractor pricing.

Council discussion touched on scope and budget. A council member asked whether the HCS quote covered electrical and rough-ins under the slab; staff replied the HCS scope includes all underground electrical and under-slab rough-in but that a separate plumbing bid would address interior plumbing and final hookups. Council members also asked how the contract fits the project budget after the higher bids were received.

Council approved the contract by voice and roll call. The record shows the motion passed with a majority; one councilmember voted against the award. City staff said formal, line-item reconciliation of the project budget and subsequent bids will be presented to council as the remaining trade bids are opened and contracts are awarded.

The senior center project timeline includes the pre-engineered building (contracted in December 2024), completion of site work, then separate trades (plumbing, interior finishes) brought to council for approval. Staff emphasized the separate plumbing bid would return to council for consideration.